Getting braces requires adapting certain habits, particularly those related to diet. Orthodontic appliances, such as brackets and wires, apply precise forces to shift teeth over time. Successfully completing treatment relies heavily on protecting this delicate hardware from damage. Understanding which foods pose a risk is fundamental for ensuring the appliances remain intact and functional.
Understanding the Risks of Hard and Crunchy Foods
Foods requiring significant biting or chewing force pose a direct threat of physical impact damage to fixed orthodontic appliances. Biting into hard items can snap brackets off the tooth surface, bend archwires out of alignment, or loosen the metal bands. Common culprits include nuts, hard candies, and chewing on ice, which deliver a high-pressure load the components cannot withstand.
Popcorn is problematic due to its crunchy texture and unpopped kernels that can become lodged between the wire and the gum tissue. Dense or tough crusts, such as those found on bagels, can also exert excessive force upon initial bite, leading to bracket failure. To safely consume raw produce like apples or carrots, patients must slice them into very small pieces to be chewed with the back teeth, avoiding biting into them directly.
Why Chewy and Sticky Foods Must Be Avoided
The second major mechanical risk comes from foods characterized by high adhesion and tensile strength, which can cause appliance failure through pulling and tugging. Sticky foods cling to the brackets and wires, and the act of pulling them away exerts a mechanical force that can compromise the appliance’s integrity, potentially dislodging a bracket or bending the archwire.
The primary offenders are candies like caramel, taffy, and licorice, as well as chewy items like granola bars and dried fruits. Chewing gum, even sugar-free varieties, is strictly avoided because it wraps around the appliance, making removal nearly impossible. Damage to the hardware temporarily halts the treatment process, necessitating an unplanned orthodontic visit for repair.
The Hidden Danger of Sugary and Acidic Items
Beyond mechanical damage, certain foods and drinks pose a long-term threat to the tooth enamel surrounding the brackets. Sugary items, such as sodas and sweets, feed oral bacteria that produce corrosive acids. Brackets and wires create numerous tiny spaces where plaque accumulates, holding these acids against the tooth surface.
This acidic environment accelerates demineralization, leaching minerals from the enamel. This often results in permanent, chalky white spots (decalcification) visible only after the braces are removed. Highly acidic beverages also contribute to enamel erosion and should be limited. Rinsing the mouth with water immediately after consuming sugary or acidic items helps neutralize the pH and wash away food debris.
Recommended Foods and Eating Techniques
To maintain a secure appliance and a healthy diet, patients should focus on soft, non-abrasive foods throughout treatment. Excellent choices include soft cheeses, yogurt, mashed potatoes, pasta, rice dishes, and soups. Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and cooked vegetables are also safe, providing necessary nutrients without stressing the hardware. Tender meats, such as ground beef or fish, can also be consumed easily.
The technique of eating is just as important as the food choices. Patients should cut all food into small, bite-sized portions before placing them in the mouth. This eliminates the need to bite and tear with the front teeth, the most common site of bracket failure. Chewing should be done gently and primarily with the back teeth to minimize the force placed on the front brackets.